Photo: Fred Hayes/Getty Images for Aflac via Getty Images
  /  03.08.2022

They don’t call him “Prime Time” for nothing. The Jim Thorpe Award-winning NFL vet and current head coach at Mississippi’s Jackson State University, Deion Sanders, has quite an impressive resume. However, his heroic feats on the field and mentoring to college athletes is not without its drawbacks.

The Baltimore Ravens retiree announced he had to undergo surgery following a fight with three life-threatening blood clots, Sports Illustrated reports. While his surgery was a success, it cost him his big toe and second one both on his left foot. He gave audiences details on the procedure on the YouTube series “Coach Prime” that chronicles Sanders’ journey as an HBCU coach.

After calmly explaining the discomfort he felt wearing shoes and receiving shots to relieve the pain, Sanders’ medical team provided him options for better functionality and use of his left foot. The first option was to remove a bunion with “hopes” of improved optimization. However, the news of removing his toes leaving him as an amputee caused a pause for the NFL veteran.

Sanders surgery required him to have a three-week stay at a Mississippi hospital making the Tigers wonder if their coach would miss the game against Division II school Delta State; the team went on to win 17-24 with “Coach Prime” calling plays on the sideline.

Following the surgery, the 54-year-old coach spent the remaining part of the 2021 season in the confines of a wheelchair. After a diagnosis was concluded, Sanders learned that not only did he have a family history of blood clots but that he was at risk for possibly having his leg amputated.

“The hardest thing of it all was to look down there and see that, and understand that once upon a time, you were this type of athlete,” Sanders said. “And you don’t even know if you’re gonna walk because all you feel is pain, and you just want to get out of this hospital. You just want to get out.”

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

B. Simone vs. Desi Banks | 'Receipts'

On this episode of “Receipts,” Desi Banks puts his friendship with comedian and entrepreneur B. Simone to the test when they battle it out to guess contestant Darrius’ hidden talent. Presented by Walmart.

  /  05.16.2023

Desi Banks vs. Eric Bellinger | 'Receipts'

Get ready for “Receipts,” the all-new game show brought to you by REVOLT and Walmart where contestants battle it out to reveal a Black and Unlimited shopper’s hidden talent from clues on their shopping receipt! For the premiere, host Desi Banks goes three rounds with the one and only Eric Bellinger. Watch!

 

 

  /  05.09.2023

B. Simone and Desi Banks go head-to-head on “Receipts” game show

After a few pleasantries, Desi Banks and B. Simone dived right into the first round of gameplay – and it was hilarious from beginning to end.

  /  05.16.2023

Eric Bellinger stars in premiere episode of REVOLT’s new game show “Receipts”

REVOLT and Walmart are spotlighting everyday Black shoppers with unexpected talents on the new show.

  /  05.09.2023
View More